Goose Lake State Forest Campground
4.6354 reviewsGoose Lake State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsGoose Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Rustic lakeside campsites with basic amenities (vault toilets, hand pump/rustic water, no electric or sewer hookups). One visitor review reported a...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(231) 775-7911
What Campers Say
4.63
Top-Rated
Based on 54 reviews
54 Google reviews
Most mentioned
waterlakesites
Some mention
noisemosquitoes
"Reviewers commonly praise Goose Lake State Forest Campground as a peaceful, scenic, rustic lakeside campground with good fishing and pleasant, uncrowded sites tucked in mature woods."
Best Time to Camp at Goose Lake State Forest Campground
Summer brings the campground to life, especially on holiday weekends when all 30 sites fill quickly—savvy campers arrive early Friday to claim their spot. The season also brings Michigan's infamous mosquitoes and deer flies, so pack your bug spray and consider a screened shelter for comfortable evenings. Even in July and August, temperatures can dip surprisingly cool once the sun sets over the lake, making a warm hoodie or extra blanket essential for cozy campfires under the stars.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
About Goose Lake State Forest Campground
Escape to the peaceful shores of Goose Lake, where 30 rustic campsites nestle beneath a canopy of towering trees in Missaukee County. This secluded, first-come, first-served gem offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and old-school camping charm, with vault toilets, basic water access, and direct access to excellent paddling and fishing waters—all managed by nearby Mitchell State Park.
Rustic state forest campground primarily for tent camping and small trailers, with lakeside sites.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the campground to life, especially on holiday weekends when all 30 sites fill quickly—savvy campers arrive early Friday to claim their spot. The season also brings Michigan's infamous mosquitoes and deer flies, so pack your bug spray and consider a screened shelter for comfortable evenings. Even in July and August, temperatures can dip surprisingly cool once the sun sets over the lake, making a warm hoodie or extra blanket essential for cozy campfires under the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine pitching your tent beneath a cathedral of mature pines and hardwoods, where dappled sunlight filters through the leaves and the forest provides natural privacy between sites. The campground hugs Goose Lake's undeveloped shoreline, placing you just steps from the water's edge—perfect for launching a kayak at sunrise, casting a line from shore, or simply watching the mist rise off the glassy surface on a quiet morning. The dense woodland setting creates an authentic up-north Michigan atmosphere that feels wonderfully remote, even though civilization isn't far away.
Geological RegionLocated on state forest land within the Huron-Manistee State Forest (Missaukee County).
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Campsite details
Total Campsites30 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Small, quiet inland lake setting supporting fishing, boating/paddling, basic swimming and wildlife viewing, plus general forest walking/exploring and access to state forest hunting.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsAccess road and interior drives can be narrow, rough and include steep hills and sharp turns (may be challenging for larger trailers). Typical Northwoods insects (mosquitos/deer flies) and usual wildlife; cell service may be spotty. No specific recent wildlife incidents are reported.
Weather at Goose Lake State Forest Campground
25
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 16.8 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsCommon negatives mentioned include rough/narrow access roads, occasional generator noise, vandalism to picnic tables, insect issues (mosquitoes/deer flies), and lack of hookups or dump station.
Campground Map
Goose Lake State Forest Campground
Driving directionsAbout 2.5 miles northwest of Lake City via M-42, Randall Road, Almoses Road, Goose Lake Road and Green Road.
Accessible from M-42 with local county roads; access road and interior drives can be narrow and rough (review reports).Nearby places
Lake City ~2.5 miles
Long Lake ~0.25 mile west
Lake Missaukee ~2 miles south.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
54 reviews
Goose Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers commonly praise Goose Lake State Forest Campground as a peaceful, scenic, rustic lakeside campground with good fishing and pleasant, uncrowded sites tucked in mature woods.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors highlight the tranquil, wooded lakeshore setting, clear water, enjoyable paddling and fishing, well-spaced campsites, and abundant wildlife (loons, deer, eagles, turtles). Several reviewers...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early on weekends because sites are first-come/first-served; choose lake-side sites for best views and access; bring water treatment or supplies despite hand pumps being present, bring insect...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
“Nice little rustic camp ground. Water is very clear and decent fishing.”; “So peaceful!”; “Beautiful campground... No electricity, or dump station but the price is right.”
Based on 54 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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